New York Rangers winger Mats Zuccarello was questionable to play in the final games of the New York Rangers season after he was injured blocking shots over the last several games. With just two matchups left in the 2017-18 season, should we want to see Zucc back out on the ice?
It was announced on Wednesday that Zuccarello was taking part in the Rangers skate in preparation for Thursday’s game against the New York Islanders, and will be in the lineup.
This was despite an announcement after Tuesday’s game against New Jersey that stated he was having trouble walking and would undergo an MRI.
Under most circumstances, the smart choice would be to keep Zuccarello out of the line up.
With the Rangers out of the playoffs and pretty much set in their draft position this offseason, these last two games are meaningless. And, with this said, if the injury is serious enough, it could be dangerous to put him back in the lineup too soon.
However, the Rangers continuing to make adjustments on the roster this offseason means that these could be Zuccarello’s final two games in a Rangers sweater.
Related Story: Four New York Rangers who might be out of the league next season
Zuccarello’s impact
The Rangers miss Mats Zuccarello when he’s not in the lineup.
He is is a skater that comes out every game, makes himself visible and puts everything he has out on the ice. He has become a fan favorite due to his passion for the game of hockey and his dedication to his team.
Zuccarello has 16 goals and 36 assists for 52 points this season. In addition to this, one of the Rangers biggest areas of concern is an area that Zuccarello has always stood out.
Zucc produces when his team plays in even strength scenarios. This season 15 of his 16 goals and 21 of his 36 assists have come at even strength. In addition, 23 of his assists have been primary assists (courtesy of Natural Stat Trick).
He has been one of the Rangers best, most consistent two way players on the ice, and a key to the team’s success over his past eight seasons in New York.
Related Story: Zibanejad’s hot March saved his 17-18 stat line
Conflicting Viewpoints
Players who are injured cannot be forced back onto the ice too soon. Especially if it is in games that do not impact the team’s standings, or their shot at a postseason run. In the Rangers current situation, this is exactly the case.
However, there is so much question leading up to the offseason, that it makes sense that Zuccarello would want to appear in what could be his final two games for the New York Rangers.
With the Rangers in full re-build mode, Zuccarello’s future on the roster is questionable. Right now, there is not a single player on the roster is 100 percent safe (except for maybe Henrik Lundqvist who has an active no-trade clause).
The Rangers considered Zuccarello as a viable trade option at the deadline back in February, which makes the climate around his future even more uncertain.
In any other scenario, I would say send Zuccarello on vacation early and ensure that he had the time to heal and be ready for next season.
Next: Neal Pionk has earned a permanent roster spot
But if these do end up being to be his last two games, he has been such a positive force on this roster that you want to see as much of him as you possibly can.